From the opening moments of SANAM’s “Ayouha Al-Taiin Fi Al-Mawt,” vocalist Sandy Chamoun spits fire. She recites Paul Chaoul’s poem of the same name with a frenetic energy that infects the entire track. “The track is a description of a hallucinatory state of clarity, from a stream-of-consciousness text by poet Paul Chaoul who raves endlessly about death,” Chamoun explains.
The rest of the group is an all-star cast of Beirut’s thriving experimental music scene – Antonio Hajj (bass), Farah Kaddour (buzuk), Anthony Sahyoun (guitar, synth), Pascal Semerdjian (drums) and Marwan Tohme (guitar). The group scatters melodic patterns in all directions, coalescing into weighted passages where tension builds to its breaking point. Chamoun’s rapid-fire recitation bleeds with urgency and intensity, commanding our attention as “Ayouha Al-Taiin Fi Al-Mawt” dissipates into the ether.
SANAM’s new album, Aykathani Malakon صنم – أيقظني ملاكٌ, will be released by MAIS UM on June 23. Pre-order HERE.
Foxy Digitalis depends on our awesome readers to keep things rolling. Pledge your support today via our Patreon or subscribe to The Jewel Garden.
